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SPN JUN 2011 Pool&SpaIndustry
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
SPATEX – ‘WE WANT THE DIALOGUE TO GO ON’ SAY DIRECTORS
Following the SPATEX review in April’s SPN, a number of questions were raised about the annual event. Here the SPATEX board of directors address some of these issues in the expectation this may open up further dialogue
Caravan Show in the late 1980’s was not a rewarding one. Co-locating our event with any other would need carefully thinking through to decide how we could best manage it, as the ability to run our own show is very attractive and is still currently considered the best way of generating income for the industry.
There may be an argument to having a show based in Brighton one year and then going elsewhere for the next year, although this could make it difficult to get the best contract prices from the different venues, but is certainly something to pursue. As has happened too, in the past, a competitive exhibition/consortia could step into the gap that SPATEX leaves! Some observers have said the venue needs to be in the Thames Valley area, but there are no obvious suitable venues in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties, although the National Agricultural Centre in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire ticks a number of boxes. Any ideas from the trade on suitable locations are welcomed by the SPATEX directors.
1. LOCATION
The show has been in Brighton for the past 15 years since its formation as SPATEX Ltd, owned by the BSPF Ltd. There had been many previous shows and locations under different ownership arrangements. Brighton was chosen for SPATEX Ltd because it was felt the venue was the perfect match for what our industry requires. Brighton’s unique mix of professional and social facilities makes it attractive for the pool industry to visit and do business. Due to its location on the south coast, the venue is obviously not centrally located as would be ideal and this criticism is understood by the directors, although with good air, road and rail links, it is more convenient to get to Brighton from around the UK and overseas than might at first be imagined. Finding an alternative venue may seem an easy task, given the number of exhibition locations in the UK. Members of the SPATEX Board have always kept up to date with both exhibitions and venues. Research is again underway to find the best alternative venues. Some of these venues are too small, some are likely to be too large and therefore too expensive. Others are too far away from a significant proportion of the pool and spa industry, who tend to be located in the southern half of England, due to population size and economic activity. There have been regular reviews over the last four years and a short list of the most promising venues will be made available by the directors. A distinct advantage for some of the larger venues, such as the NEC in Birmingham, is they have other events that may overlap with our target audience, which is mainly trade, with some consumer interest. The extra footfall would be welcome, if it brings quality visitors to SPATEX, at a time when we want to host our show. However, our experience with the Boat and
2. TIMING
Holding the event in February assists with kick starting the new calendar year and is used by companies to provide their new catalogue and price list, for instance. Having the venue available in February means there are fewer events to compete with the space requirements and it leads to a more attractive price for SPATEX and its exhibitors. By using the first weekend in February it avoids clashing with either St Valentine’s Day or with school half term breaks. Earlier in January would be too early for our exhibitors people to prepare properly and get price lists ready – to say nothing of their stands.
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